Arthur Monroe Gafford, 92, of Bastrop, formerly of Big Spring, died on Monday, May 23, 2005, in an Elgin nursing home. Graveside funeral services with Masonic Rites will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2005 at the Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring with Rev. Bob Hopkins, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland, officiating.The family will receive friends from 5 PM to 7 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.He was born on May 8, 1913, in Wellington County, Texas and married Mary Clyde McCullough on May 18, 1933.Mr. Gafford moved to Big Spring in 1937. He worked for Ford Motor Company and played in a band with other employees. They played on the radio during the lunch hour. When World War II began, he moved to San Antonio where he worked at Kelly Field as an aircraft sheet metal worker for two years. He then transfered to Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring where he worked for two years. He then owned and operated the Universal Body Works for 35 years, retiring in 1981. He then worked for four years for Dean Claim Service as an auto damage appraiser. After retiring, he moved to Midland then to Austin.He was a loving father and a good example for his children. He loved God and tried to live his life accordingly.He was a member of East Fourth Street Baptist Church and a charter member of Baptist Temple Church before joining First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years. He was a 32 degree Mason and was a member of Big Spring Lodge #1340 A. F. & A. M. and the Lubbock Consistory of the Scottish Rite.Survivors include wife, Mary Clyde Gafford of Bastrop; one son & daughter-in-law, Ken and Jeananne Gafford of Bastrop; one daughter & son-in-law, Gwen and Roy Carley of Houston; four grandchildren, Craig Carley and wife, Kristine, of Sugarland, Kenda Spaulding and husband, Jerry, of Frisco, Keren Carley of Park City, Utah and, Kelly Gafford and wife, Julie, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three great grandchildren, Caden Monroe Carley and Camren Micah Carley both of Sugarland and Kenny Gafford of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and one brother, B. F. Gafford of Center.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
